Laying and mechanically joining building panels or construction elements

ABSTRACT

There is disclosed apparatus, method and system for mechanically joining abutting construction elements having a first split tongue located at one end of the connector and a second split tongue located at the other end of the connector. The first and second split tongues are adapted to be inserted into and locked onto grooves in abutting construction elements for holding the adjacent construction elements in abutting relationship. In an embodiment the grooves in said construction elements are formed into auxiliary groove containing members adapted to be integrated into an edge or face surface of the construction elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to apparatus, method and system for layingand mechanically joining building panels or construction elements,especially floating floors, concrete block, concrete brick, or concretetile floors or walls.

2. Description of Related Art

Methods and systems for laying and joining building panels is known inthe prior art. More specifically, by way of example, U.S. Pat. No.7,051,486 to Pervan discloses a locking system for a floorboard havingconnectors which are integrated with the floorboard and adapted toconnect the floorboard with an identical floorboard in a horizontaldirection. The connectors consist of a locking strip which projects fromthe vertical plane of the floorboard and has a locking element whichengages a downward open locking groove of the floorboard. The lockingstrip is a separate part which is mechanically fixed to the floorboardin a horizontal and vertical direction and consists of a machinedsheet-shaped material which is made of a wood-based material.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the laying and mechanically joining ofbuilding panels, especially thin hard wood floating floors. Each panelis normally connected to and aligned with one another via a tongue andgroove mechanism. Formation of the tongue element typically results insome loss of saleable panel surface material. The objective of thepresent invention is to connect and align adjacent panels without theneed to form a tongue element in the edge of one of the panels. Ratherthe panels are joined via an auxiliary connector element which engagessuitably shaped grooves that are formed in the panels in such a manneras to not result in the loss of surface material. The tongues which matewith the grooves are incorporated into the auxiliary connector. Thetongues on the connector element are split tongues to permit ease ofinstallation of the connector into a panel and to hold the installedconnector in place. The tongues on the auxiliary connector and itsmating panel groove can be arranged to allow either lateral mating inwhich the tongue is inserted into the groove in a direction parallel tothe panel surface or normal mating in which the tongue is inserted intothe groove in a direction that is normal to the panel surface. Theauxiliary connector is of low cost PVC, or other thermoplastic polymer,extrusion with the intent that the cost savings that accrues from thesaving of panel surface material more than offsets the cost of theconnector.

In an embodiment of the invention there is disclosed a connector formechanically joining abutting construction elements comprising:

-   -   a first split tongue located at one end of said connector; and    -   a second split tongue located at the other end of said        connector;    -   wherein said first and second split tongues are adapted to be        inserted into and locked onto grooves in abutting construction        elements for holding the adjacent construction elements in        abutting relationship.

In another embodiment of the invention there is disclosed a method formechanically joining abutting construction elements comprises:

-   -   providing a first split tongue located at one end of said        connector; and    -   providing a second split tongue located at the other end of said        connector;    -   wherein said first and second split tongues are adapted to be        inserted into and locked onto grooves in abutting construction        elements for holding the adjacent construction elements in        abutting relationship.

In another embodiment of the invention there is disclosed a system formechanically joining abutting construction elements comprising:

-   -   a first split tongue located at one end of said connector; and    -   a second split tongue located at the other end of said        connector;    -   wherein said first and second split tongues are adapted to be        inserted into and locked onto grooves in abutting construction        elements for holding the adjacent construction elements in        abutting relationship.

The foregoing has outlined, rather broadly, the preferred feature of thepresent invention so that those skilled in the art may better understandthe detailed description of the invention that follows. Additionalfeatures of the invention will be described hereinafter that form thesubject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art shouldappreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception andspecific embodiment as a basis for designing or modifying otherstructures for carrying out the same purposes of the present inventionand that such other structures do not depart from the spirit and scopeof the invention in its broadest form.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention willbecome more fully apparent from the following detailed description, theappended claim, and the accompanying drawings in which similar elementsare given similar reference numerals.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are side views of a prior art tongue and groove jointwith lateral insertion;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are side views of the prior art with the split tongue ofthe present connector replacing the solid tongue of the prior art;

FIG. 3 is a side view showing flexing of the split tongue of FIGS. 2Aand 2B where both members are shown flexing;

FIG. 4 is a side view showing augmentation of split tongue restoringforce with a bulk elastic material;

FIG. 5 is a side view showing augmentation of split tongue restoringforce with a strip spring material;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a grooved tongue with a locking catch andgroove with locking step for receiving the locking catch;

FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C show the grooved tongue with locking catches of FIG.6 entering the groove with locking steps;

FIG. 8 is a side view of a prior art auxiliary connector;

FIG. 9 is a side view of an auxiliary connector having split or groovedtongues;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the auxiliary connector having split orgrooved tongues of FIG. 9 inserted into a left panel;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the auxiliary connector of FIG. 9 having splitor grooved tongues inserted into both a left and right panel;

FIG. 12 is a side view of the auxiliary connector of FIG. 9 as it isbeing inserted into a left and a right panel;

FIG. 13 is a side view of an embodiment of an auxiliary connector withsplit or grooved tongues in accordance with the principles of theinvention;

FIG. 14 is a side view of a panel groove for receiving the auxiliaryconnector with split or grooved tongues of FIG. 13 in accordance withthe principles of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the auxiliary connector with split or groovedtongues of FIG. 13 installed in the panel groove of FIG. 14; and

FIG. 16 is a side view of the auxiliary connector with split or groovedtongues of FIG. 13 installed in both first and second panel grooves.

FIG. 17 is a side view of an embodiment of an auxiliary connector withsplit or grooved tongue in accordance with the principles of theinvention;

FIG. 18 is a side view of a panel groove for receiving the auxiliaryconnector with grooved tongue of FIG. 17 in accordance with theprinciples of the invention;

FIG. 19 is a side view of the auxiliary connector with split or groovedtongue of FIG. 17 installed in the panel groove of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a side view of the auxiliary connector with split or groovedtongue of FIG. 17 installed in both first and second panel grooves ofFIG. 18.

FIG. 21 is a side view of an embodiment of an auxiliary connector withtongue in accordance with the principles of the invention;

FIG. 22 is a side view of a panel groove for receiving the auxiliaryconnector with tongue of FIG. 21 in accordance with the principles ofthe invention;

FIG. 23 is a side view of the auxiliary connector with tongue of FIG. 21installed in the panel groove of FIG. 22;

FIG. 24 is a side view of the auxiliary connector with tongue of FIG. 21installed in both first and second panel grooves of FIG. 22.

FIG. 25 is a side view of an auxiliary groove able to be integrated intoa construction element to receive and hold a split or grove tongueauxiliary connector of the type shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 26 is a side view of the auxiliary groove shown in FIG. 25integrated into the edge of a construction element;

FIG. 27 is a side view of the auxiliary groove shown in FIG. 25integrated into the edge of a construction element with the auxiliaryconnector shown in FIG. 9 laterally inserted into and holding onto thechannel in the auxiliary groove;

FIG. 28 is a side view of the auxiliary groove shown in FIG. 25integrated into the edge of a first construction element with theauxiliary connector shown in FIG. 9 inserted into the channel in theauxiliary groove with the right side split tongue of the auxiliaryconnector laterally inserted into and holding onto the channel of asecond auxiliary channel integrated into the edge of a secondconstruction element;

FIG. 29 is a side view of an auxiliary groove able to be integrated intoa construction element to receive and hold a split or grooved tongueauxiliary connector of the type shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 30 is a side view of the auxiliary groove shown in FIG. 29integrated into the under side of a construction element;

FIG. 31 is a side view of the auxiliary groove shown in FIG. 29integrated into the edge of a construction element with the auxiliaryconnector shown in FIG. 13 normally inserted into and holding onto thechannel in the auxiliary groove;

FIG. 32 is a side view of the auxiliary groove shown in FIG. 29integrated into the edge of a first construction element with theauxiliary connector shown in FIG. 13 normally inserted into the channelin the auxiliary groove with the right side split tongue of theauxiliary connector normally inserted into and holding onto the channelof a second auxiliary channel integrated into the edge of a secondconstruction element;

FIG. 33 is a side view of an auxiliary connector having a verticalprojection on the left side adhesively connected to a channel in thebottom surface of a first construction element and a split tongue on theright side of the auxiliary connector integrated into a channel in thebottom surface of a second construction element;

FIG. 34 is a side view of an auxiliary connector having a plurality ofvertical support struts on the left side adhesively connected to alateral channel in a first construction element and a split tongue onthe right side of the auxiliary connector integrated into a channel inan edge of a second construction element;

FIG. 35 is a side view of an auxiliary connector having a full tongue onthe left side which may be adhesively connected to a lateral channel ina first construction element and a split tongue on the right side of theauxiliary connector integrated into a channel in a second constructionelement where a plurality of vertical support struts are located betweenthe full tongue and the split tongue;

FIG. 36 is a side view of an auxiliary connector having a plurality ofhorizontal struts which project up on the left side and which areconnected to a vertical channel in a bottom surface of a firstconstruction element and a split tongue on the right side of theauxiliary connector integrated into a vertical channel in a bottomsurface of a second construction element; and

FIG. 37 is a side view of an auxiliary groove integrated into a firstconstruction element which is adapted to receive and hold a blockextender and a split or grove tongue auxiliary connector integrated intothe block extender and a second construction element.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, there are shown side views of a prior arttongue and groove joint prior to and after being joined together withlateral insertion. Typically, the adjacent edges 10, 12 of buildingpanels 14, 16 must be held in good alignment normal to the panel faces18, 20, e.g., in floating laminate flooring, so that the assembledpanels appear to form a contiguous flat front or top surface. Thisalignment and holding is typically achieved by means of a tongue 22 andgroove 24 joint. In many cases the holding feature of the tongue to itsgroove is accomplished solely by friction between the tongue and groovesurfaces, while in other instances the holding action can be augmentedwith the use of adhesives or by shaping the tongue and its mating grooveto provide a mechanical locking feature.

The panels used in flooring typically have two relatively flat surfaces:the upper surface 18, 20, which is the surface typically walked on, anda lower surface 26, the surface which is in contact with the surfacesupporting the floor. The panels typically have four edge surfaces (twoside edge surfaces and two end edge surfaces), that are typicallyperpendicular to the upper surface where the two side edge surfaces arerelatively long and parallel to each other; and the other two edgesurfaces that are relatively short and similarly parallel to each other.The result is a panel which is typically long and narrow.

Typically a groove such as groove 24 is formed in a long side and shortend edge, and tongues 22 are formed on the long side and short end edgesopposite those on which the grooves are formed. The panels are assembledso that the groove on the edge of one panel mates with the tongue on theedge of its adjacent panel; and typically the tongues and grooves joinadjacent panels on both their long and short edges.

Typically, forming the tongues on the long and short side edges of apanel creates a loss of between 2% to 5% of saleable panel face surface.

The present invention is directed toward providing a new improvedapparatus, method and system of joining panels together which eases theinstallation of the tongue in the groove, and eliminates the loss insaleable surface material associated with the formation of a tongue onthe side and end edges of a panel. In another embodiment, the presentinvention also provides improved apparatus, method and system of joiningother construction materials, e.g., concrete brick, concrete block, andconcrete tile.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, there are shown side views of a split orgrooved tongue 28 having a first projection 30, a second projection 32and a space 34 there between. The tongue 28 is similar to the tongue 22of FIG. 1A except for the addition of a groove 34 (or grooves) formed inthe tongue parallel to the direction of insertion.

The front or top surface of each panel 14, 16 is the decorative face ofthe panel that is exposed to view, while the rear surface 26 is thenormally unfinished surface that faces the support structure. The tongueedge 10 is the panel edge that remains after the panel tongue is formedand the groove edge 12 is the panel edge that remains after the panelgroove is formed. The groove 34 that is formed into the tongue is calledthe tongue groove to differentiate it from the groove 24 in the panelwhich is called the panel groove. Formation of a tongue with one or moregrooves provides a tongue with two or more sub-tongues 30, 32 whichadjoin the tongue groove 34, or grooves.

As a consequence of their reduced thickness, the sub-tongues 30, 32 areable to flex in a direction that is normal to the tongue axis as shownin FIG. 3. The force that the sub-tongues exert to resist flexing isdenoted as the sub-tongue restoring force. In applications where thesub-tongue restoring force is inadequate, it can be augmented by theinstallation of a spring element into the tongue groove.

FIG. 3 is a side view showing flexing of both members of the splittongue.

Referring to FIG. 4, a spring element 36 is provided by a section ofbulk elastic material such as rubber or Viton which is inserted betweenthe sub-tongues

In another embodiment, and referring to FIG. 5, a restoring force isprovided by using a spring element in the form of a U-shaped element 38which can be made of a spring material such as steel, polyvinylchloride(PVC) or the like.

In another embodiment, a grooved tongue can be used to hold the tonguein place in its groove. Referring to FIG. 6, there is shown a side viewof a split or grooved tongue with a locking catch and a groove with alocking step for receiving the tongue.

The tongue 40 in FIG. 6 is designed with a catch 46 at the end ofsub-tongues 44; and the mating panel groove 48 is designed with anengaging step 50 at the distal end on its upper and lower surfaces. Themanner in which the catch interacts with the groove to hold the tonguein place is shown in the installation views shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B and7C. As seen in FIG. 7B, during installation, the sub-tongues flextowards the center of the tongue groove to allow the sub-tongue catchesto slide over the narrow region of the panel groove. As seen in FIG. 7C,once the catches have passed the edges of the groove, the sub-tonguessnap back to their expanded condition and the sub-tongue catches 46engage panel groove steps 50.

It is clear that if the panel facing edge of the catches and the panelfacing vertical edge of the groove steps in FIG. 6 are exactlyperpendicular to the axis of the tongue, then a large lateral spacebetween the panel edges of the adjoining panels would have to be left inthe finished panel surface to accommodate the unavoidable tongue andgroove fabrication tolerances.

The size of the lateral space required to allow for fabricationtolerances can be reduced by forming the sub-tongue catch edges at anangle “a” that is normal to the tongue axis, as shown in FIG. 6, whichwill allow the distance between the sub-tongue catch edge and the panelgroove step edge to vary by “b” which effectively reduces the lateralspace between adjoining panels. The choice of the angle “a” is a tradebetween the ability to accommodate dimensional variations and howsecurely the tongue is held in the groove.

The angle “c” of the groove step edge is typically 90° but if can beeither more or less than 90° but the difference between the 90° and theangle “c” should be less than the angle “a”.

However, regardless of how easy the split tongue makes installation ofthe tongue in the groove, or how securely the tongue is held in thegroove after installation, the geometries described above do noteliminate the loss of saleable panel surface that results from thefabrication a tongue which is integral with the edge of a panel. It isknown that the loss of panel surface material can, however, be avoidedby the use of an auxiliary connector such as is disclosed in U.S. Pat.No. 7,051,486 to Pervan.

Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown a side view of an auxiliaryconnector disclosed by Pervan. The tongue (and its lost surfacematerial) on a panel edge is replaced with a groove similar to that onthe panels opposite edge; and the connector is fabricated with twoopposite facing tongues. As shown in FIG. 8, the right panel 52 has agroove 54 and the left panel 56 has a groove 58 where the panels 52, 56are joined with an auxiliary connector 60 having a left facing tongueand a right facing tongue.

As seen in the FIG. 8, after the two panels are joined, the auxiliaryconnector is completely hidden from view.

Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown a side view of an auxiliaryconnector having right and left split or grooved tongues where eachsub-tongue has a catch which is provided to engage the connector at itsright and left mating panels. More specifically, the auxiliary connectorwhich is symmetrical about its center vertical axis includes left andright upper 60 and lower 62 sub-tongues separated by a tongue groove 64,and each sub tongue has a catch 66 at its end. Located between the leftand right sub-tongues is one or a plurality of panel upper verticalsupport struts 68 and one or a plurality of lower vertical supportstruts 70.

Referring to FIG. 10, there is shown a side view of the auxiliaryconnector of FIG. 9 having split or grooved tongues inserted into a leftpanel, and FIG. 11 is a side view of the auxiliary connector of FIG. 9having split or grooved tongues inserted into both left and rightpanels. FIG. 12 is a side view of the auxiliary connector of FIG. 9 asit is being inserted into left and right panels.

As can be seen in FIG. 10, the front surface 18 of the panel 14 thatextends over the panel groove 48 forms a relatively weak cantileverelement. The panel edge vertical support struts 68, 70 serve to supportthis relatively weak cantilever element by transferring the load appliedto it at the panel face from there to the support surface supporting thepanel.

Referring to FIG. 12, the left side of FIG. 12 shows the grooved tongueauxiliary connector just starting to be inserted into a panel groove,and the right side of FIG. 12 shows the grooved tongue auxiliaryconnector partially inserted into its panel groove.

FIGS. 10, 11, and 12 show the grooved tongue auxiliary connector inwhich the auxiliary connector tongue is inserted into its mating panelgrooves in the lateral direction, i.e., in the plane of the panelsurfaces.

Referring to FIG. 13, there is shown a side view of an embodiment of anauxiliary connector with two grooved tongues in accordance with theprinciples of the invention where the grooved tongue auxiliary connectoris adapted to be inserted into mating panel grooves from the rearsurface of the panel in a direction which is normal to the panelsurface.

The auxiliary connector of FIG. 13 is symmetrical about its centrallylocated vertical axis and includes left and right first sub-tongues 70having sub-tongue catches 72, left and right second sub-tongues 74having sub-tongue catches 76.

The left and right first and second sub-tongues can be composed of, forexample, a plastic such as PVC or a metal such as steel, bronze, etc,and extend outward from the same side of support member 80.

Referring to FIG. 14, there is shown a side view of a panel groove forreceiving the auxiliary connector with grooved tongue of FIG. 13 inaccordance with the principles of the invention. Panel groove 86includes two steps 88 sized to receive the sub-tongue catches 72, 76 asshown in FIG. 13. In addition, a clearance channel 90 is provided in thebottom of the panel for receiving the part of support member 80 which islocated between two grooved or split tongues.

Referring to FIG. 15, there is shown a side view of the auxiliaryconnector with split or grooved tongue of FIG. 13 installed in the panelgroove of FIG. 14 of a panel 14 and awaiting installation of a secondadjoining panel. The left sub-tongue catches 72, 76 engage the panelgroove steps 88 and support member 80 is located in clearance channel90.

Referring to FIG. 16, there is shown a side view of the auxiliaryconnector with grooved tongue of FIG. 13 installed in a panel grooveformed into a second panel 16.

Referring to FIG. 17, there is shown a side view of an embodiment of anauxiliary connector with two grooved tongues in accordance with theprinciples of the invention where the grooved tongue auxiliary connectoris adapted to be inserted into mating panel grooves from the rearsurface of the panel in a direction which is normal to the panelsurface.

The left grooved or split tongue consists of left, non-flexing,sub-tongue 92 and left flexing sub-tongue 74 with tongue groove 96between them and catch 76 on sub-tongue 74. The right grooved or splittongue consists of right, non-flexing, sub-tongue 94 and right flexingsub-tongue 70 with tongue groove 98 between them and catch 72 onsub-tongue 70.

Referring to FIG. 18 there is shown a side view of a panel groove forreceiving the auxiliary connector with grooved tongue of FIG. 17 inaccordance with the principles of the invention. Partial panel groove 86includes a single step 88 sized to receive the sub-tongue catch 76 asshown in FIG. 17. In addition groove 100 is provided to receivesub-tongue 92 as shown in FIG. 17; and a clearance channel 90 isprovided in the bottom of the panel for receiving the part of supportmember 80 from which the two split or grooved tongues in FIG. 17project.

Referring to FIG. 19, there is shown a side view of the auxiliaryconnector with grooved tongues of FIG. 17 installed in the panel groovesof FIG. 18 of a panel 102 and awaiting installation of a secondadjoining panel. The left sub-tongue catches 76 engages the panelpartial groove step 88 and support member 80 is located in clearancechannel 90. The right side non-flexible sub-tongue 92 presses on theside of right side of panel groove 100 to hold catch 76 of flexiblesub-tongue 74 in contact with step 88 of partial panel groove 86 in FIG.18.

Referring to FIG. 20, there is shown a side view of the auxiliaryconnector with left grooved tongue of FIG. 17 installed in the panelgroove of FIG. 18 formed in panels 102, with the right grooved tongue ofFIG. 17 installed in the panel groove of FIG. 18 formed in panels 104.The right sub-tongue catches 72 engages the panel partial groove step88. The left side of right side non-flexible sub-tongue 94 presses onthe left side of panel groove 100 to hold catch 72 of flexiblesub-tongue 70 in contact with step 88 of partial panel groove 86 in FIG.17.

Referring to FIG. 21, there is shown a side view of an embodiment of anauxiliary connector with two tongues in accordance with the principlesof the invention where the auxiliary connector is adapted to be insertedinto mating panel grooves from the rear surface of the panel in adirection which is normal to the panel surface.

The left grooved or split tongue consists of left, non-flexing,sub-tongue 92 and left flexing sub-tongue 74 with tongue groove 96between them and catch 76 on sub-tongue 74. The right grooved or splittongue consists of right, non-flexing, sub-tongue 94 and flexingsub-tongue 70 with tongue groove 98 between them and catch 72 onsub-tongue 70.

Referring to FIG. 22 there is shown a side view of a panel groove forreceiving the auxiliary connector with grooved tongue of FIG. 21 inaccordance with the principles of the invention. Partial panel groove 86includes a single step 88 sized to receive the sub-tongue catch 76 asshown in FIG. 21. In addition groove 100 is provided to receivesub-tongue 92 as shown in FIG. 21; and a clearance channel 90 isprovided in the bottom of the panel for receiving the part of supportmember 80 from which the two split or grooved tongues in FIG. 21project.

Referring to FIG. 23, there is shown a side view of the auxiliaryconnector with grooved tongues of FIG. 21 installed in the panel groovesof FIG. 22 of a panel 102 and awaiting installation of a secondadjoining panel. The left sub-tongue catches 76 engages the panelpartial groove step 88 and support member 80 is located in clearancechannel 90 of FIG. 22. The left side non-flexible sub-tongue 92 presseson the left side of partial panel groove 100 to hold catch 76 offlexible sub-tongue 74 in contact with step 88 of panel groove 86 inFIG. 22.

Referring to FIG. 24, there is shown a side view of the auxiliaryconnector with left grooved tongue of FIG. 21 installed in the panelgroove of FIG. 22 formed in panel 102, with the right grooved tongue ofFIG. 21 installed in the panel groove of FIG. 22 formed in panel 104.The right sub-tongue catches 72 engages the panel partial groove step88. The right side non-flexible sub-tongue 94 presses on the right sideof panel groove 100 to hold catch 72 of flexible sub-tongue 70 incontact with step 88 of partial panel groove 86 in FIG. 22.

Referring to FIG. 25, there is shown a side view of an auxiliary groovecontaining member 106 able to be integrated into the edge of aconstruction element such as a concrete brick or a concrete block or aconcrete tile. The auxiliary groove containing member would preferablebe extruded in long lengths in a thermoplastic polymer such as PVC or ina metal such as brass or aluminum. It could also be cast in shorterlengths.

If the construction element (e.g., a concrete brick or concrete block orconcrete tile) is formed by the hardening of a material in a mold, theauxiliary groove containing member can be integrated into the element aspart of the fabrication process. Alternatively, a suitable groovecontaining member can be incorporated into the edge of the constructionelement and the auxiliary groove containing member adhesively integratedinto the element after it is formed (either at the element fabricationsite or, later, when the element is at a construction site.).

The groove in the auxiliary groove containing member is made to matewith a connector such as that shown in FIG. 9. In FIG. 25, the groove 48has sides 111 which serve to flex the sub-tongues of the auxiliaryconnector until the catches 66 on the auxiliary connector in FIG. 9 passthe steps 50 at the distal end of the groove in FIG. 25. The taperedregions 110 of the groove 48 may or may not be present and serve to makeit easier to install the auxiliary connector into the groove. The flatregions 112 at the entrance of groove 48 server to act with the verticalleg or legs 68, 70 of the auxiliary connector in FIG. 9 to transferforces from the top to the bottom of the connector. Steps (oralternatively inclined surfaces) 108 in FIG. 25 serve to hold theauxiliary connector firmly in the edge of the construction element.

Referring to FIG. 26 there is shown a side view in which the auxiliarygroove containing member 106 shown in FIG. 25 is shown integrated intothe edge of a construction element 114.

Referring to FIG. 27 there is shown a side view in which the auxiliarygroove containing member 106 shown in FIG. 25 is integrated into theedge of a construction element 114 from FIG. 26, with the left split orgrooved tongue of the lateral auxiliary connector shown in FIG. 9inserted into and held by the interaction of catches 66 of FIG. 9 withthe steps 50 of the auxiliary connector in FIG. 25.

Referring to FIG. 28 there is shown a side view in which a firstconstruction element 114 with auxiliary groove containing member 106 ofFIG. 25 integrated into its edge and having the left split or groovedtongue of auxiliary the lateral connector of FIG. 9 inserted and heldinto the groove in the auxiliary groove containing member; and has theright split or grooved tongue of the lateral connector shown in FIG. 9inserted to the groove of an auxiliary groove containing member 106 ofFIG. 25 that has been integrated into the left edge of secondconstruction element 116 with auxiliary groove containing member 106 ofFIG. 25 integrated into its left edge

The auxiliary groove element integrated into the all four sides (left,right, top and bottom) of a construction element allows the constructionelements to be joined so as to form a wall without the need for mortarin between the elements. This should allow walls to be built morequickly in good weather or bad by inexperience workers.

Should mortar be desired in the spaces between the constructionelements, this can easily be accommodated by lengthening the connectorshown so that a mortar receiving space is left between the right andleft or bottom and top edges of the construction element.

In either case, with or without mortar, the presence of the connectorsshould serve to provide a construction that is less prone to failureduring earthquakes due to the ability of the auxiliary connectors toflex rather than fracture when strained.

Referring to FIG. 29, there is shown a side view of an auxiliary groovecontaining member 118 able to be integrated into the flat under surfaceof a construction element such as a concrete brick or a concrete blockor a concrete tile. This auxiliary groove containing member isparticularly suited to being attached by mortar to the undersurface ofbathroom or other decorative tile. The auxiliary groove containingmember would preferable be extruded in long lengths in a thermoplasticpolymer such as PVC or in a metal such as brass or aluminum. It couldalso be cast in shorter lengths.

If the construction element (e.g., a concrete brick or concrete block orconcrete tile) is formed by the hardening of a material in a mold, theauxiliary groove containing member can be integrated into the element aspart of the fabrication process. Alternatively, a suitable groove can beincorporated into the surface of the construction element and theauxiliary groove element adhesively integrated into the constructionelement after it is formed (either at the construction elementfabrication site or, later, when the construction element is at aconstruction site.).

The groove in the auxiliary groove containing member is made to matewith a normal connector such as that shown in FIG. 13. In FIG. 29, thegroove 48 has sides 122 which serve to flex the sub-tongues of theauxiliary connector until the catches 72 and 76 on the auxiliaryconnector in FIG. 13 pass the steps 50 at the distal end of the groove48 in FIG. 29. The tapered regions 120 of the groove 48 may or may notbe present and serve to make it easier to install the auxiliaryconnector into the groove. The region 90 in the auxiliary groovecontaining member is cut away to provide room for the support leg 80between the two split or grooved tongues in FIG. 13. The top 124 of thestep serves to locate the auxiliary connector vertically when it isattached to the back of a tile element.

Referring to FIG. 30 there is shown a side view in which the auxiliarygroove containing member 118 shown in FIG. 29 is shown integrated ontothe undersurface of a decorative tile 126 by mortar 128 introduced intothe space between the auxiliary groove and the tile.

Referring to FIG. 31 there is shown a side view in which the auxiliarygroove containing member 118 shown in FIG. 29 is integrated onto theundersurface of a decorative tile 126 by mortar 128, with thesub-tongues 70 and 74 of the left split or grooved tongue of the normalauxiliary connector shown in FIG. 13 inserted into and held by theinteraction of catches 72 and 76 of FIG. 13 with the steps 50 of theauxiliary connector in FIG. 29.

Referring to FIG. 32 there is shown a side view in which a first tileelement 126 with auxiliary groove containing member 118 of FIG. 29integrated into its lower surface and having the left split or groovedtongue of the normal auxiliary connector shown in FIG. 13 inserted andheld into the groove 48 in the auxiliary groove; and has the right splitor grooved tongue of the normal auxiliary connector shown in FIG. 13inserted to the groove 48 of an auxiliary groove containing member 118of FIG. 29 that has been integrated into the lower surface of secondtile element 130 with auxiliary groove 118 of FIG. 29 integrated intoits lower surface.

The auxiliary groove element integrated into the all four under-surfaces(left, right, top and bottom) of a construction element allows theconstruction elements to be joined so as to form a wall without the needfor mortar in between the elements. This should allow walls to be builtmore quickly in good weather or bad by inexperience workers.

Should mortar be desired in the spaces between the constructionelements, this can easily be accommodated by lengthening the connector80 in FIG. 13 between the left and right split or grooved tongues sothat space to receive mortar is left between the right and left orbottom and top edges of the construction element.

In either case, with or without mortar, the presence of the connectorsshould serve to provide a construction that is less prone to failureduring earthquakes due to the ability of the auxiliary connectors toflex rather than fracture when strained.

FIG. 33 is a side view of an auxiliary connector having a verticalprojection 140 on the left side adhesively connected to a channel in thebottom surface of a first construction element 142 and a split tongue144 on the right side of the auxiliary connector integrated into achannel in the bottom surface of a second construction element 146.

FIG. 34 is a side view of an auxiliary connector having a plurality ofvertical support struts 150 on the left side adhesively connected to alateral channel in a first construction element 152 and a split tongue154 on the right side of the auxiliary connector integrated into achannel in a second construction element 156. The small projection inthe lateral channel in the first construction element may be eliminatedwhen a similar small projection is present on the end support strut

FIG. 35 is a side view of an auxiliary connector having a full tongue158 on the left side which may be adhesively connected to a lateralchannel in a first construction element 160 and a split tongue 162 onthe right side of the auxiliary connector integrated into a channel in asecond construction element 164 where the auxiliary connector has aplurality of vertical support struts 166 located between the full tongue158 and the split tongue 162.

FIG. 36 is a side view of an auxiliary connector having a plurality ofhorizontal struts 190 which project up on the left side and which areconnected to a vertical channel in a bottom surface of a firstconstruction element 192 and a split tongue 194 on the right side of theauxiliary connector integrated into a vertical channel in a bottomsurface of a second construction element 196.

FIG. 37 is a side view of an auxiliary groove 180 integrated into afirst construction element 182 which is adapted to receive and hold ablock extender 184 which is locked to the auxiliary grove with a splitof grove tongue 186, and an auxiliary connector 188 having a split orgrove tongue at each of its ends for connecting the block extender 184to a second auxiliary groove 190 in a second construction element 192.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out thefundamental novel features of the invention as applied to the preferredembodiments, it will be understood that the foregoing is considered asillustrative only of the principles of the invention and not intended tobe exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed.Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the aboveteachings. The embodiments discussed were chosen and described toprovide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and itspractical application to enable one of ordinary skill in the art toutilize the invention in various embodiments and with variousmodifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated All suchmodifications and variations are within the scope of the invention asdetermined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance withthe breadth to which they are entitled.

1. A connector for mechanically joining abutting construction elementscomprising: a first split tongue located at one end of said connector;and a second split tongue located at the other end of said connector;wherein said first and second split tongues are adapted to be insertedinto and locked onto grooves in abutting construction elements forholding the adjacent construction elements in abutting relationship. 2.The connector of claim 1 wherein said grooves in said constructionelements are formed into auxiliary groove containing members adapted tobe integrated into an edge or face surface of said constructionelements.
 3. The connector of claim 1 wherein said split tongues havecatches for engaging steps located in said grooves.
 4. The connector ofclaim 3 wherein a plurality of vertical support struts are locatedbetween said first and second split tongues.
 5. The connector of claim 3wherein said first split tongue projects upward and is located on oneside of said connector; and said second split tongue projects upward andis located on the same one side of said connector that said first splittongue is located.
 6. The connector of claim 1 wherein said first andsecond split tongues each include flexible sub tongues.
 7. The connectorof claim 1 wherein said first and second split tongues are adapted to beinserted into and locked onto grooves which are located on a side and infrom an edge of the construction elements for holding the constructionelements in abutting relationship.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein aclearance channel is located between the groove and the edge of eachpanel for receiving a portion of the support member that extends betweenadjacent panels.
 9. A method for mechanically joining abuttingconstruction elements comprises: providing a first split tongue locatedat one end of said connector; and providing a second split tonguelocated at the other end of said connector; wherein said first andsecond split tongues are adapted to be inserted into and locked ontogrooves in abutting construction elements for holding the adjacentconstruction elements in abutting relationship.
 10. The method of claim9 wherein said grooves in said construction elements are formed intoauxiliary groove containing members adapted to be integrated into anedge or face surface of said construction elements.
 11. The method ofclaim 9 wherein said split tongues have catches for engaging stepslocated in said grooves.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein a pluralityof vertical support struts are located between said first and secondsplit tongues.
 13. The method of claim 11 wherein said first splittongue projects upward and is located on one side of said connector; andsaid second split tongue projects upward and is located on the same oneside of said connector that said first split tongue is located.
 14. Themethod of claim 9 wherein said first and second split tongues act asspring elements.
 15. The method of claim 9 wherein said first and secondsplit tongues are adapted to be inserted into and locked onto grooveswhich are located on a side and in from an edge of the constructionelements for holding the construction elements in abutting relationship.16. A system for mechanically joining abutting construction elementscomprising: a first split tongue located at one end of said connector;and a second split tongue located at the other end of said connector;wherein said first and second split tongues are adapted to be insertedinto and locked onto grooves in abutting construction elements forholding the adjacent construction elements in abutting relationship. 17.The system of claim 16 wherein said grooves in said constructionelements are formed into auxiliary groove containing members adapted tobe integrated into an edge or face surface of said constructionelements.
 18. The system of claim 16 wherein said split tongues havecatches for engaging steps located in said grooves.
 19. The system ofclaim 16 wherein said first split tongue projects upward and is locatedon one side of said connector; and said second split tongue projectsupward and is located on the same one side of said connector that saidfirst split tongue is located.
 20. The system of claim 16 wherein saidfirst and second split tongues are adapted to be inserted into andlocked onto grooves which are located on a side and in from an edge ofthe construction elements for holding the construction elements inabutting relationship.